8
refractory(adjective, tough, wild, awkward, obstinate)
8
touchy(adjective, delicate, awkward, irritable, tricky)
8
uncertain(noun, adjective, hard, severe, obscure)
7
effortful(adjective, hard, great, tough, rough)
7
agonizing(adjective, sickness, ache, anguishes)
7
cantankerous(adjective, hard, tough, evil, rough)
7
challenging(adjective, hard, great, tough, obscure)
7
compound
7
dangerous(noun, adjective, hard, tough, severe)
7
fatiguing(adjective, dull, awkward, boring, tired)
7
harsh(adjective, hard, tough, severe, rough)
7
nit-picking
7
picky(adjective, tough, harsh, particular, meticulous)
7
problem(noun, adjective, hard, tough, grim)
7
problematical(adjective, hard, complex, awkward, demanding)
7
recalcitrant(adjective, tough, wild, awkward, obstinate)
7
risky(noun, adjective, delicate, awkward, tricky)
7
tiresome(adjective, hard, tough, severe, heavy)
7
unyielding(adjective, hard, tough, severe, wild)
7
wearisome(adjective, dull, hard, tough, rough)
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APASmart Define. (2016). difficult thesaurus. Retrieved September 20, 2026, from https://smartdefine.org/difficult/thesaurus/synonyms
ChicagoSmart Define. 2016. "difficult thesaurus" https://smartdefine.org/difficult/thesaurus/synonyms (accessed September 20, 2026).
HarvardSmart Define 2016, difficult thesaurus, Smart Define, viewed 20 September, 2026, <https://smartdefine.org/difficult/thesaurus/synonyms>.
MLASmart Define. "difficult thesaurus" 24 March 2016. Web. 20 September 2026. <https://smartdefine.org/difficult/thesaurus/synonyms>